Welcome to 2024 and Crossroads News!

The Chamber is thrilled to announce its first big event of the new year. Join us on February 29th for Medium Night with Gary McKinstry at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center with thanks to our sponsor, Steve’s Collision Center. Only 100 seats are available. See the details below and get your tickets now. Like last year’s Medium Night, this event is very likely to sell out! You’ll find more local events and news items from our Members in this issue.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. Help us fill up our 2024 Events calendar with your big happenings and keep emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: JANUARY 12, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

The office is OPEN Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

CLOSED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 FOR STAFF VACATION.

CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 15 FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

No appointment is necessary. Give us a ring at 508-347-2761 to be sure we are here.

CMS CHAMBER OFFICE, 1A RIVER ROAD, STURBRIDGE

Welcome, New Board Members!

The Chamber is very pleased to welcome Christine Lee of Arborstone Outdoors to the Board of Directors. Also, as of the December meeting, Christina Hadis-Blackwell (The Center of Hope) accepted the nomination to serve as the new Board Chair. Cynthia Saucier (Country Bank) moves to Immediate Past Chair. Emily Klamm (The Center of Hope) is Board's new First Vice Chair. Bruce Watkins of Karl Storz remains as Treasurer. We are very appreciative of the commitment and expertise of our Board of Directors and look forward to a productive new year.

Be Visible, Stay Visible with 2024 Marketing For Members Only Packages

The Chamber's Marketing For Members Only packages for 2024 are available to be reserved! These packages include low cost advertising opportunities using all the Chamber's channels. 

Crossroads NEWS and EVENTS ads

Chamber Website banner ads

Dedicated Email blasts

Featured Member Spotlight in the Chamber Corner of Southbridge News

Tourism Sector: Home Page Banner ads on The Sturbridge Townships

Whether you need a comprehensive package or a few dedicated E-blasts throughout the year,

the Chamber's Marketing For Members Only program enhances and amplifies your message and offerings.

Check out the 2024 M4M packages and individual marketing items on the Chamber website here.

Contact Jack with any questions or to get started.

SAVE THE DATE!

CMS CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024, 8:00-9:30AM

GUEST SPEAKER: DR. CHARLES STEINBERG, WooSox PRESIDENT

VENUE, SPONSOR AND MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Sponsorships Available

Get noticed! Sponsoring a Chamber event or program can give you exposure to the people that you want to do business with. Our affiliation with the Worcester Regional Chamber means exposure to 2,300 member businesses and an e-mail list of more than 10,000 professionals.

Programs for the Chamber's winter season are in the works. We will be seeking sponsors for upcoming Fun at Fives and other events. If your company would be interested in being a sponsor, or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or email [email protected].

An Evening with Gary McKinstry

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 7:00-9:00pm

Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center

14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA

Join the Chamber of Central Mass South and our guests at Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center for a mind-blowing night with Gary McKinstry, the incredible Psychic Medium Entertainer, on February 29, 2024, at 7:00pm.

Internationally known Psychic Medium Entertainer, Gary McKinstry, will share his gift to connect with the spirit world and bring intuitive messages to our guests at the Chamber’s second annual Medium Night. Gary’s work as a psychic medium for over 30 years not only includes clients in the USA, but also Brazil, France, Australia, Germany and Canada. Whether one on one or in a large arena, Gary is dedicated to helping people in all walks of life and death and will deliver your messages with style.

Gary is from Dudley, MA and he attended Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. He is well known locally for his appearances at The Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge. Gary has appeared on live radio shows throughout New England since 1995, made TV appearances, and is featured in several printed publications. Gary and his wife Virginia currently reside in Norway, Maine.

To learn more about Gary and his work visit www.garymckinstry.com.

Tickets are $50 for CMS Chamber members and their employees, or $55 for non-Members. Cash bar.

This intimate and enlightening evening with Gary is limited to 100 attendees, so get your tickets now!

Consider dining out locally before the event! Shades Lounge at Southbridge Hotel offers New England-style comfort food and craft beers. Fins & Tales and Honest Town Eats are also close by! Pick your favorite and make your evening even more memorable! 

Questions? For tickets and info give the Chamber a call at 508-347-2761 or email [email protected].

With Gratitude to our Sponsor

for An Evening with Gary McKinstry

Dedicated to Perfection

Complete satisfaction is our #1 priority at Steve’s Collision Center, Inc. We understand being in an accident is a significant inconvenience, and we are here to help. We work with all insurance companies, but most importantly, we work for you as our customer. Our main goal is to exceed your expectations.

That’s what it takes to be the best!

210 Charlton Road, Route 20, Sturbridge, MA

508-347-9116

www.stevescollision.com

North Brookfield Savings Bank Thanks Community for Success in Annual Toy Drive

NBSB Employee Joseph Ribeiro featured outside of our West Brookfield Branch assisting “Farmer Matt” Koziol and West Brookfield Police Chief Nathan Hagglund with our donation of Toys from NBSB’s Annual Toy Drive Collection Fundraiser.

North Brookfield, MA - The Annual Toy Drive, which NBSB has hosted for many years, was once again a huge success, bringing hope and joy to those who needed it most during the holiday season. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, customers, and employees of North Brookfield Savings Bank, the Toy Drive collected hundreds of toys as well as hundreds of dollars, which were distributed to local toy drive organizations in each of the Bank’s communities. In addition, North Brookfield Savings Bank donated $1,500 to the local toy programs. All the toys collected, and additional toys purchased with the Bank’s donation, ensure that local children of struggling families receive holiday gifts.

For the Toy Drive, the bank accepted monetary donations as well as donations of new and unwrapped toys for children at most of its branch locations. This year’s donations included several impressive items such as bicycles, skateboards, sleds, winter coats, slime kits, oversized stuffed animals, among many other various trucks, cars, baby dolls, science kits, board games, crafts, and toys.

“We were so thrilled to once again hold our annual toy drive within our branch locations. The generosity shown by our communities and employees alike is unwavering,” said North Brookfield Savings Bank Digital Marketing Strategist Nicole Syriac. “It is apparent that everyone in our neighborhoods and at North Brookfield Savings Bank has a strong sense of community commitment, even in the toughest of times. We thank you all for helping us bring magic to local children this holiday season.”

North Brookfield Savings Bank proudly partnered with the North Brookfield Police Association’s Toys for Joy Program, East Brookfield Toys for Joy Program, West Brookfield Police Association Holiday Toy Program, Ware Police Department “Christmas for Kids” Program, Belchertown Firefighters Association Adopt-a-Family Program and Palmer Lions Club Holiday Toy Program to offer support to the communities they serve.

To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank’s community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

ABOUT NORTH BROOKFIELD SAVINGS BANK

North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and the Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities it serves since 1854. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. North Brookfield Savings Bank was voted Best Bank in Central Massachusetts for 2021 and was named “Community Icon” Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation in 2022 & 2023. For more information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit us online at www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

Nugget’s Second Chance

How a Severely Injured Shelter Dog is Now Thriving as the

Timberyard Brew Dog

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (December 19, 2023) – Nugget, formerly known as Natty, faced unimaginable pain and adversity when he arrived at Second Chance Animal Services with a severe leg injury. The dedicated team at Second Chance worked tirelessly to save his leg, but ultimately, the decision to amputate was made to ensure Nugget's comfort and quality of life.

In a heartwarming twist of fate, Nugget caught the attention of Matt and Nellie Zarif, the generous owners of Timberyard Brewing Company and longtime supporters of Second Chance. The brewery, known for its commitment to the community, had not only donated to Second Chance but also hosted events and provided storage for a large donation. Nugget's story resonated with the Timberyard team, who had just started hosting popular puppy yoga classes to benefit Second Chance, led by the talented yoga instructor Audrey Martinez. The classes, held monthly, include a visit from friendly adoptable dogs available at Second Chance, who romp around the taproom while attendees work on their yoga moves. 

Nugget, now thriving after his surgery, found his forever home with the Zarifs, joining a loving pack that includes three young boys and another three-legged dog, Lucy. Nuggets dog-sister wears a prosthetic leg and goes to work with her dog mom, Nellie Zarif, a prosthetist at Hanger Clinic in Worcester, where she helps to inspire people with limb loss. Nellie considered making a prosthesis for Nugget but quickly realized that he did not need one due to the nature of his amputation and his young age. “He is so fast on three legs that four legged dogs have a hard time keeping up with him!” said Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer at Second Chance, who expressed admiration for Nugget's resilience. “We were in awe of his determination.”

As a proud member of the Timberyard family, Nugget comes to work with Matt every day and has become a local sensation. The staff from Second Chance, including the veterinarian that performed his surgery, stop by the brewery from time to time to visit him. “Nugget is the smartest dog that I have ever met,” said Matt. “Like—Lassie level smart; when you talk to this dog, he understands you. He’s the perfect brewery dog, so well behaved, sweet, and friendly. He loves being a part of the action.” 

Nugget has embraced his role as a dogfluencer, delighting visitors at Timberyard and stealing the spotlight in social media posts. His favorite gig? Greeting attendees on puppy yoga mornings. He’s even been spotted auditioning with Santa for a chance to be a reindeer, sitting patiently next to Santa for hours during his visits to the brewery, posing for photos with happy families, and helping to fundraise for a local charity. Nugget's journey from pain to fame is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and a community that cares.

PHOTO: Nugget the Timberyard BrewDog (photo credit: Timberyard)

About Second Chance Animal Services:

Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today Second Chance operates Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all.  Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Last year Second Chance helped over 44,000 pets live better lives through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Instagram: @secondchanceas/

Follow Second Chance on Twitter:  @secondchanceas

Desrosiers Promoted to Assistant Branch Manager

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, December 21, 2023 — Allysha Desrosiers has been promoted to assistant branch manager of bankHometown’s Grove St., Worcester office.

Desrosiers, of Danielson, CT, has six years of banking experience, and was hired in 2021 as a personal banker. Prior to joining bankHometown, she was a universal banker at Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank, where she also began as a teller in 2017.

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts and has $1.3 billion in assets and 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2021, The Giving Tree donated nearly $288,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.3 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

The #1 Hispanic Newspaper in MA

The latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano is available on their website.

View the Latest Issue in Digital Online - Free to Members

Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email [email protected] to get started.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Old Sturbridge Village

Monday, January 15, 2024

Times: The Village is open from 9:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership.

FREE for residents of the Old Sturbridge Academy district (see below for details)

As a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, AmeriCorps team members will bring several special programs to the Village on Monday, January 15, 2024. Start your visit to the Village in the Visitor Center, where you can contribute to our “I Have a Dream” cloud, visit a table with community and social service resources, and chat with AmeriCorps members about community story quilts. You can even design your own square to add to a community quilt on display! In the Quaker Meetinghouse, join us for storytime, featuring the books Miss Crandall’s School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color by Elizabeth Alexander and Marilyn Nelson, Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woefle, and A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson. At the Center Meetinghouse, listen to a reading of an excerpt of a sermon by 19th-century minister and reformer Theodore Parker and watch a screening of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech during the March on Washington. AmeriCorps members and Village staff will lead a discussion after the screening. Stay tuned for a more detailed schedule! Visit online for updates.

There will also be a FREE hearth cooking workshop for youth in the Museum Education Building where participants will work with Americorps members to bake Malinda Russell gingerbread. Limited spaces are available for this workshop; registration will open soon.

In honor of MLK Day of Service and our local community, Old Sturbridge Village is offering FREE standard daytime admission for residents of the towns in the Old Sturbridge Academy school district: Brimfield, Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, Holland, Monson, Palmer, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, and Webster. Adults must provide proof of town residency.

Good Acoustics - Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel and James Taylor

January 19, 5:30pm - 10:00pm

The Barn at Wight Farm, 420 Main St, Sturbridge, Ma

PERENNIAL FAVORITES GOOD ACOUSTICS IS RETURNING TO THE BARN!

Come along and listen to the songs of James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel faithfully recreated by Good Acoustics. These are the songs that defined more than three decades of chart-topping hits that bring you back to simpler times in the beautiful new WINTHROP ROOM at The Barn at Wight Farm.

This show is comprised of a rock-solid trio that have been performing all over the east coast for over 30 years. This show will simply amaze you at the harmony displayed by these very talented musicians.

All shows are accompanied by a complete buffet meal including salad and rolls. A full cash bar is always available and decadent desserts can also be purchased at an additional charge. There are always several protein options to choose from. Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options are available with advanced notice to our staff. Doors open at 5:30 pm, the buffet begins at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $55-$60.

Please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/thebarnatwightfarm to keep up to date on new shows or upcoming events. You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information. 

Tickets can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.

Before joining Table 3 Restaurant Group, Chef James “Sid” Cavallo had been delighting diners in various regions of the South for many years with his distinctive take on Creole cuisine. Sid’s unique style of cooking skillfully blends West African, French, and Spanish influences with the conventional flavors of the Southern United States.

Come join us on this remarkable 10-course Creole culinary tasting journey into the rich, diverse flavors that have been shaped by so many cultural influences. This event is $65 per person, tax and gratuity are not included. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available from our bar at an extra cost.

Call 508-347-2321 to make your reservations today.

See more on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/194476146994499

7 Bridges Road: An Acoustic Tribute to the Eagles

January 26, 5:30pm-10:00pm

The Barn at Wight Farm, 420 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA

7 BRIDGES ROAD IS BACK AT THE BARN! 

Is there a better way to spend a Friday evening in January than with New England’s own 7 Bridges Road Band? Returning to The Barn at Wight Farm and performing in our Winthrop Room, this acoustic tribute to the one and only Eagles is not to be missed. If you are even a little bit of an Eagles fan this show will have you singing along from the first song. This show sold out for their last 5 appearance at The Barn…so make sure you purchase your tickets early.

All shows are accompanied by a complete buffet meal including salad and rolls. A full cash bar is always available and decadent desserts can also be purchased at an additional charge. There are always several protein options to choose from. Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options are available with advanced notice to our staff. Doors open at 5:30 pm, buffet begins at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm.

Please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/thebarnatwightfarm to keep up to date on new shows or upcoming events. You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information. Ticket can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.

Tickets: $55 – $60 Purchase on eventbrite here.

You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information.

All January & February Fireplace Feasts are SOLD OUT.

Get your tickets for a March Feast while they last!

Join us for a special dining event as the Innkeepers at the Salem Cross Inn announce their series of 1700's style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace. Relax by the fire as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron over a crackling fire. See your prime rib, roasted 'to a turn,' as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. Beware the brimming bowl of freshly whipped cream - the perfect complement to New England's best apple pie. While your dinner is cooking to perfection, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres. Shake off the chill with warm mulled wine or cider upon your return. Browse our extensive collection of colonial and federal period American antiques. The Fireplace Feast makes a thoughtful and unique gift for special friends or deserving associates. VIEW THE FIREPLACE FEAST BROCHURE HERE.

The Fireplace Feast is just one of our many dining events that provides an authentic colonial experience. At Salem Cross Inn, we capture the history and culture of 1700's America. Salem Cross Inn's dining events, excellent cuisine, and atmosphere have been featured on Food Network's "The Best Of," WCVB TV5 Boston's "Chronicle" and chosen as the "Hidden Jewel" by Boston's Phantom Gourmet and WGBY. SEE MORE DETAILS AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

HOURS OF OPERATION

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 4pm - 8pm | Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

www.salemcrossinn.com

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